Monroe, James (1758-1831) to Robert Swartwout
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01743.01 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 March 1817 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.4 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Monroe as President to Swartwout, the former Quartermaster-General from March 1813 to June 1816. Monroe was Secretary of War from 1814 to 1815 and Swartwout reported to him during that point in the War of 1812. Swartwout apparently wrote Monroe for documents defending his conduct during the war. Monroe says he is returning papers relating to claims of Swartwout from January 1815. Says he remembers the time well and recollects the powers given to Swartwout to carry out the war. Says his letter from 4 February 1815 will give the best account of the powers given him. Says there will be no differences on the facts that occurred between them, but says "it is desirable, from motives of delicacy, that I should interpose as little as possible, to decide questions connected to it." Probably does not want to cause any controversy early in his presidency. Says he will converse with him on the claims if he decides to call on him. There are two dockets, one written by Swartwout and the other seemingly written by a secretary for Monroe saying there was an original letter as well as War Department correspondence from 1813-1815. The War Department correspondence is not included here.
Washington March 16. 1817
Dear Sir
I return you the papers relating to the claims of the district QrMr General, & the four deputies, appointed by authority from me, while I acted in the dept. of war in Jany. 1815. I will recollect, the measures that were in contemplation, at that memorable & highly interesting epoch, & the confidence reposed, & the extensive powers given you, to carry them into effect, from the incentive of which, had the war continued, I am satisfied, the happiest consequences would have resulted. my letters to you, and particularly that of Febry the 4th. 1815. give a just idea of the nature & extent of this power alluded to. In the settlement of old accounts, general principles are necessarily regarded. On any question of fact, there never can be a difference [2] of opinion between you and me; still [inserted: as] the incidents of that epoch, involved my own conduct in many instances, when prompt & bold measures were indespensible, it is desirable, from motives of delicacy, that I should interpose as little as possible, to decide questions connected with it, It will give me pleasures to confer with you on this subject, whenever you will have the goodness to call on me.
with sincere regard I am dear sir yours Jas Monroe
[docket:]
From Mr Monroe
16 March 1817 -
Original Letter,
And Confidential
Communication from
the War Department
1813 to 1815 Inclusive
[docket #2:]
From Mr Monroe
16 March 1817
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